[justin22885]

does anyone here know what pressures can be handled by a newly made 1867 model rolling block using modern steels?, ive seen some even older ones make 30-06 pressures, but does anyone know the limits of a modern one?

[rcmodel]

Certainly not strong enough for anything in the 30-06 (60,000 PSI) class.

De Haas, in his book Single-Shot Rifles & Actions cautions against re-barreling to anything hotter then .257 Roberts at most. (54,000 PSI).

The problem is not ultimate strength of the action, even if made of modern steel with a small smokeless powder firing pin.

The problem is, too many joints in the action locking surfaces, which allows excess case stretch.

As an example, he mentions re-chambering to a caliber with a normal headspace setting of .003".
If each link in the chain of a rolling block action (hammer & block pins, pin holes, contact surfaces of the block & hammer) has .001" clearance, you have .006" headspace under firing pressure, any further action stretching not withstanding.

IMO: They are best suited for rimmed cartridges generating no more then 40,000 - 50,000 pressure, or less.

They are what they are, and they are not modern design 60,000 PSI actions.

rc

[buttrap]

The main issue is the hammer tends to let the block flex a bit with hotter loads and you end up with case heads that have a angle to them. Crazy as heck but I have seen these things chambered in everything up to 300 win mag.

[Gord]

Interesting thread as I've been dreaming of having a repro M1867 made for me out of modern steel one day when I'm filthy rich - have an original, think the action is just too cool...